65% of UK retailers planning international expansion this year
Retailers in the UK are feeling more confident about expanding internationally, with two-thirds (65 per cent) planning to increase international sales over the next 12 months. This is up from the year previous, when just 39 per cent said it was a goal for their business.
The study, from Royal Mail, also found that over four fifths (84 per cent) plan to target new countries they do not currently sell to, with the US topping the list as the economy with most opportunities.
This is partly thanks to the strength of the dollar and anticipated growth in its economy, which is forecast to expand 3.6 per cent in 2015 compared to 1.2 per cent in the Eurozone.
Nearly half (47 per cent) of those surveyed cited targeted direct mail or catalogues as the best way to develop sales opportunities, a ten per cent rise on 2014.
The finding supports the Royal Mail’s ‘MailMen’ campaign, which kicked off this week to promote its direct marketing services facility.
The activity has targeted clients and media planning and buying agencies to highlight the role direct mail plays and where it fits into the marketing mix.